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About Cannon Beach gazette. (Cannon Beach, Or.) 1977-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2017)
April 21, 2017 | Cannon Beach Gazette | cannonbeachgazette.com • 5A Love for our beaches keeps them alive for posterity E ach year, thousands make their way to Cannon Beach to enjoy our pristine beaches for weddings, beach fi res, clamming, tide pool exploration, surfi ng lessons, early morning yoga sessions, and the list goes on. Without thinking of it, countless visitors remove their shoes and walk our sandy shores free from garbage and restricted private zones. The beaches of our small town are free of restricted areas thanks to the love former Governor Oswald West had of our Oregon coastline. West took offi ce in 1911 and served as the Governor of Oregon until 1915. During West’s term, his priorities included the women’s suffrage move- ment, abolishing capital punishment, and implementing a new parole system for prisoners. West’s most important and recognizable legacy to Oregon was the bill he established in 1913 that was Oregon’s beach high- way law, declaring the entire Pacifi c coastline to the high tide to be a pub- lic highway. The law protected public access and remains in effect today. West’s love for Oregon’s beaches can be traced directly to his retreat in Cannon Beach. With the whole coast to choose from, the Governor select- REFLECTIONS ELAINE TRUCKE ed, a then, remote wooded section south of Cannon Beach to construct his summer retreat. Cannon Beach has been a destination location for nearly a decade. Many of us could not picture a beach with fences demarcat- ing private land, but there are many places in the world that are. For decades families enjoyed fi res, long walks on the beach, and even the occasional swim, unrestricted. It wasn’t until 1967 that West’s bill came under scrutiny. A loophole had been discovered that sparked a legislative confl ict over public access and private land rights. During a highly charged time in Cannon Beach history, Governor Tom McCall fl ew by helicopter to Cannon Beach in order to address concerns over West’s highway beach law. In the coming months Cannon Beach and other locations in Oregon will be celebrating the 50th anniversa- ry of McCall’s Beach Bill. The Beach SUBMITTED PHOTO Oswald West at age 15. Bill was the product of differing perspectives, the love of our sandy shores, and the vision that McCall had of what Oregon should be. The bill declared all wet sandy lying within sixteen vertical feet of the low tide line to be the property of the state. Moreover, it recognized public ease- ments of all beach areas up to the line of vegetation. The law required that property owners seek state permits for building and other uses of the ocean shore and it declared that the public would have free and uninterrupted use of the beaches. At the bill signing, McCall honored former Governor Oswald West. He quoted West on protecting the state’s beaches: “No local selfi sh interest should be per- SUBMITTED PHOTO Promotional photo released in 1940 of a group enjoying the favored past time of a beach bonfi re. mitted, through politics or otherwise, to destroy or even impair this great birthright of our people.” Anyone who has ever planned a large event on the beach knows that you go through Oregon State Parks. While they might manage the beaches, it is the SOLVE program that keeps them free of garbage. It is the Haystack Rock Awareness Program that keeps visitors educated. It isn’t just the laws that keep our beaches so pristine. It is the sense of owner- ship that one gets from enjoying an area generation after generation. It is the fi ght of former politicians, local residents, concerned citizens and organizations that continue to keep Oregon’s beaches the most beautiful in the world. It is the love of our beaches that keeps them alive for generations to come. LETTERS Letters from Page 4A they likely won’t survive a magnitude 9 earthquake, if a tsunami destroys the distribu- tion system, and the homes and businesses that use the water, what purpose will the surviving reservoirs serve? If a rate hike is truly nec- essary to maintain the system, then I can support it. But, if these “alternate facts” are the best the City has to offer as justifi cation, then I oppose it. When capital improvements such as replacing reservoirs are needed, funding should come from bond sales, not rate hikes. Another possi- ble source of revenue is tax imposed on motel rooms and vacation rentals. In the past, much of this money has been spent to buy statuary and artworks of questionable taste (the polite term) as well as to support many optional pro- grams and organizations in Cannon Beach, and in other parts of the county. The City should prioritize those dollars to provide essential city ser- vices and leave the frills for someone else to fund. Cleve Rooper Cannon Beach Cast your vote for port commissioner Please vote for Frank Spence, Dirk Rohne and Jim Campbell for Port Commis- sioners. I have worked with Frank Spence, a retired city manager, on the Astoria Planning Com- mission and found him to be a very intelligent and personable man. Dirk Rohne distinguished himself on the County Board of Commissioners for two terms as chair. Jim Campbell has been a steady and capable chairman of the Port Commis- sion. All will bring civility and rationality to the Port Com- mission. Be aware that all South County voters can vote for all of these Port Commissioner positions. Mike Morgan Cannon Beach Tell Fulton no I witnessed the most disgraceful performance of my 30 plus years working with or for ports by an elected offi cial, Stephen Fulton, at a recent Port of Astoria commission meet- ing. In my opinion, his total disregard for decorum, process and truth is an insult to the many who voted for him in his fi rst bid. It is vital for any level of decency and progress going forward for the Port of Astoria that Fulton is turned back and Jim Campbell is retained in his current position. During the meeting, which was disjointed due to constant interruptions by Fulton, who sat lazily in his chair smirking and taking great relish in chal- lenging, arguing and pontifi cat- ing to some unseen audience he seemed to be playing to. His disrespect for the board chairman, the manager and the recently retained legal counsel is an affront to the profession- al staff, and the mission and vision of the Port of Astoria. Fulton has shown us repeat- edly that he respects no one and nothing while he banters for attention as some type of expert, of which he is not. Fulton told us in his fi rst bid that he wanted to bring an experienced and collegiate personality to the board and assist in mending broken rela- tionships with other agencies; he has done exactly the oppo- site. His credibility is nil and allowing him to remain on this essential board for all Clatsop County residents will further undermine this port’s ability to succeed. Tell Fulton NO and re-elect Jim Campbell who has shown dignity and professionalism while serving the port district. And, while you are doing so, check the boxes for Frank Spence and Dirk Rohne who have pledged to re-connect this public body while respecting the voters who deserve better. Bill Cook Astoria Vote for Campbell It has been my pleasure to know Mr. Jim Campbell socially and professionally for nearly 30 years. He has always been a devoted husband, professional man and public servant In his business, he has excelled in marine construction while demonstrating a unique stewardship of the environ- ment. In his recreational life, he has been diverse and com- plex. From boating to motorcy- M U N I C I PA L M E M O APRIL 2017 Is published monthly by the City of Cannon Beach 163 E. Gower Street • P.O. Box 368 • Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-1581 • Fax: (503) 436-2050 • TTY (503) 436-8097 MEETINGS Of Interest... MAY 2017 2 9 10 17 18 24 25 City Council Regular Meeting City Council Work Session Budget Meeting Budget Meeting Design Review Board Budget Meeting Planning Commission CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING, April 4, 2017 • Considered Draft Ordinance 17-XX ; For the purpose of amending parts of the Emergency Preparedness Committee. Council requested further changes and the ordinance will come back for consider- ation at the May 2, 2017 meeting; • Adopted Ordinance 17-04; For the Purpose of Amending Municipal Code, Chap- ter 10.080.280; Timed Parking; • Adopted Ordinance 17-05, For the Purpose of Amendments to Chapter 17.77, Short- Term Rentals; • Adopted Resolution 17-05, For the Purpose of Approving Increases & Decreases to the FY 2016-17 Budget by Making an Intrafund Transfer of Appro- priations in the General Fund, RV Park Reserve Fund and RV Park Fund; • Adopted Resolution 17-06, For the Purpose of Approving Changes to the FY 2016-17 Budget by Increasing Appropriations in the General Fund to Allow for a Specific Purpose Grant from Oregon Military Department, Office of Emergency Management; • Adopted Proclamation 17-01; Sexual As- sault Awareness Month • Adopted Proclamation 17-02; National Child Abuse Prevention Month; • Adopted Proclamation 17-03; Arbor Day; • Approved the Intergovernmental Agree- ment Providing Building Official Services to the City of Manzanita; • Agreed to remove the deed restrictions 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. from the properties at 1340 Cascara Lane and 401 Elk Creek Road. CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AND WORK SESSION, April 11, 2017 • Voted to support the Blue Sky Challenge; a Pacific Power initiative involving county and city participation; • Agreed to support a letter or resolution re- garding “Inclusivity” at the May 2, 2017 City Council meeting; • Public Works Director and OTAK, Inc. consultants presented the draft version of the Parks and Trails Master Plan, to be considered at the May 2, 2017 City Council meeting; • Mike Cook rep- resenting Renew Oregon made a presentation and requested support from the City Council regarding HB 557 coming before the Oregon Legislature regarding carbon tax and clean energy jobs; DESIGN REVIEW BOARD – The Design Review Board meeting for April 20, 2017 is CANCELED. PLANNING COMMISSION - At their March 23, 2017 meeting the Planning Commission had a work session on: Tsunami Resilience Planning led by Meg Reed of DLCD: No action is required at this time. The Planning Commission meeting sched- uled for April 27, 2017 at 6pm is CANCELED. The Cannon Beach Recycle Center is open Tuesday - Sunday, 8am - 4pm for residential and commercial use. NOTICE OF VACANCIES CITY COMMISSIONS, BOARDS & COMMITTEES The City of Cannon Beach is seeking applications for the following vacancies: PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: TWO (2) vacancies to fill four-year terms. The primary responsibility of the Public Works Committee is to review all public works projects and make recommendations to City Council. The Public Works Committee holds its regular meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:00am. To be eligible to serve on a City committee, applicants must have resided within the city or its urban growth boundary during the one year immediately preceding appointment; or at the time of appointment, shall have owned real property located within the city or its urban growth boundary for at least one year immediately preceding appointment. Council has implemented an interview process consisting of a set of questions particular to each committee/board or commission and written answers must be submitted with the application. Applications with questions are available at City Hall, 163 E. Gower Street, Cannon Beach, by email addressed to riggs@ ci.cannon-beach.or.us, or online at www. ci.cannon-beach.or.us. For consideration at the May 2, 2017 City Council meeting, applications must be returned to Colleen Riggs, Assistant City Manager, Cannon Beach City Hall, at P.O. Box 368, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 by 4:00 p.m., April 21, 2017. Late applications will not be accepted. For more information, please contact Colleen Riggs by email or phone at (503) 436-8052. RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Red Cross is looking for volunteers to train and respond to local, regional and national disasters. Training is available for new and existing volunteers. No previous experience necessary. Learn about Red Cross services in our community. How to cling, or fl ying to motorhome- ing, he still is more active than most people I know. All these things, while lead- ing the community in pursuit of excellence with the Port of Astoria, is now in a much better posture than four years ago. His calm, steady stance on the Board of Commis- sioners has benefi ted all those under the veil of the Port of Astoria. His demeanor during meetings, dealing with fellow commissioners and relating to Port staff has been a model to emulate. Additionally, supportive of the bond measure to improve the airport to make a perma- nent home for Life Flight North West, he is positioning the Port of Astoria for future positive growth. To preserve him in his place as a commis- sioner for the Port of Astoria is, by far, the best move. Philip Bales Astoria FOR YOUR INFORMATION MAYOR: Sam Steidel COUNCILORS: Mike Benefield, Nancy McCarthy, Brandon Ogilvie and George Vetter CITY MANAGER: Brant Kucera get involved in local, regional and national disaster responses. Complete volunteer registration and sign up for training at the same time. Date: April 27, 2017 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Location: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, Community Hall, 207 N. Spruce St., Cannon Beach, OR 97110. For more information, contact Jenny Carver: 503-528- 5713 or jenny.carver@redcross.org NOAA SKYWARN WEATHER SPOTTING TRAINING The National Weather Service in Portland and the Clatsop County Emergency Management Division, in conjunction with the City of Cannon Beach, welcomes volunteers with an interest in weather to attend one of our upcoming training sessions. On Saturday, April 29th we will be holding a weather spotter training class in Cannon Beach from 11 AM to 1 PM. The training is free and will be held at the Cannon Beach City Hall located at 163 E Gower St in Cannon Beach, OR. Anyone who wants to become a volunteer weather spotter or those who are already weather spotters and want refresher training are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there! CITY OF CANNON BEACH BUDGET MEETINGS The Cannon Beach City Council and Budget Committee will be meeting Wednesdays, May 10, 17 and 24, 2017 in the City Hall Council Chambers for FY 2017-18 Budget deliberations. The meetings will start at 5:30pm. More information and details will be forthcoming on the city website. FY 2017-18 TOURISM & ARTS FUND (TAF) APPLICATIONS Non-profit organizations providing programs/projects that further tourism and the arts in Cannon Beach are invited to apply for TAF funding from the Tourism and Arts Commission (TAC) of the City of Cannon Beach by filing an application. Applications must be submitted to City Hall by 2:00pm, Wednesday May 3, 2017. The TAC will hold interviews for allocation of FY 2017-18 grants on May 24 and May 25, 2017. The meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 1pm both days.